Maxwell Entry-Level Homes: Can Buyers Afford the Drop?

Can buyers afford the drop? In Maxwell, entry-level homes are now priced at a median of $229,900 across 107 closed sales in the rolling six months ending September 30, 2026. This represents an 11.6% decline compared to the same period last year, making this market one of the more accessible entry points in Hays County. ALEX Intelligence analyzed the bottom quartile of sales to determine affordability for first-time buyers. With a median sale price of $229,900 and current mortgage rates at 7.32% (Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, week of October 22, 2026), the monthly principal and interest payment on a standard loan is approximately $1,263. This is significantly lower than the $1,495 payment required at last year's median price of $259,990. The market has also seen a shift in negotiation power. The median close-to-original list ratio improved to 94.6%, up from 90.3% in the prior six-month period, while the share of homes selling below original list dropped to 78.5%. This suggests that while prices are lower, sellers are becoming more realistic about their asking prices, allowing buyers to close deals closer to the initial list price without heavy concessions. For those looking at new construction, which accounts for the vast majority of sales in this tier (100 of 107 closings), the median living area has grown to 1,600 square feet, up 6.7% from the prior period. This combination of lower prices and larger floor plans offers a tangible improvement in value for entry-level buyers entering the Maxwell market today. Want a closer look? Reply or call George at 713.918.9951 and we'll set up a showing. Data from Unlock MLS. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Model outputs are ALEX Intelligence estimates, not appraisals. Read more Central Texas market data on the ALEX blog: https://alex-companies.com/blog